Methods To Ensure Privacy Regarding Medical Data -- Including an examination of the differential privacy algorithm RAPPOR and its implementation in "Cryptool 2"

Abstract

This document examines several applicable methods to ensure privacy of data gathered in the health care sector. To ensure a common understanding of the topic, the introduction explains the need for anonymization methods based on an example. Next, reasons for data collection are introduced in connection to the purpose to protect mentioned data, as well as currently applicable privacy laws to enforce this privacy. The question "What kind of privacy we are talking about and what conditions have to be fulfilled?" is dealt with in the subsequent chapter "Differential Privacy". Thus being established, common anonymization methods are explained and reviewed for their use in the healthcare sector. The RAPPOR algorithm and its differential privacy is dealt with in more detail before coming to a conclusion.